The MoU, signed by NR chief engineer, Mr Jon Shaw, and Strukton Rail CEO, Mr Jacob Zeeman, will see the two organisations cooperate on and develop asset management, intelligent infrastructure and advanced data analytics to support more reliable passenger and freight journeys with safer and more cost-effective maintenance.
The collaboration will build on work currently underway through the Shift2Rail Innovation Programme 3 (IP3), which addresses cost efficient, sustainable and reliable high capacity infrastructure. Network Rail is a founding member of Shift2Rail and the co-ordinator for IP3.
“We have set an ambitious programme for research and development over the next five years and are determined to use this portfolio to find new and innovative ways to deliver a better railway for passengers and freight users,” says Mr Ali Smith, senior programme manager for NR’s R&D portfolio. “Our success relies on working with many organisations, particularly where all parties are contributing to joint development.”
The five-year agreement provides opportunities for NR and Strukton to jointly develop and transfer technologies into new operating environments.
